THE council will invest more than £2m to help improve communities thanks to money received from developers delivering housing schemes across the borough.

The money, known as a ‘Section 106’, is a financial sum negotiated between housing developers and the council in its role as local planning authority.

It is calculated based on the scale of their project and the nature of potential impacts the development will have on the area.

In the last 12 months, these negotiations have secured £2m, which will benefit a number of areas including Leigh; Atherton; Golborne; Astley; Hindley and Tyldesley.

Council leader Cllr David Molyneux said: “Once a planning application comes through for new housing or commercial development, we assess the proposed scheme against a range of impacts that the development may have on the local area.

“If a scheme is assessed to have adverse impacts on the local area, we will seek to negotiate a Section 106 contribution from the applicant.

“One of our key priorities is to ensure communities and town centres are able to grow and this contribution could go towards infrastructure improvements, the provision of affordable housing or open space.

Green Avenue Park in Astley had six new pieces of play equipment installed, which are aimed at children under six years old and include an inclusive basket swing, a parent and toddler swing and new surfacing making the area more usable through the winter months.

Ward councillor, Christine Roberts said: “We welcome the council’s investment in our local community. We are all delighted that our children have a lovely, new play area where they can feel safe.”